IRVING, Texas - Travelers stopping in Dallas are discovering that layovers don't have to be lackluster. With a layover of more than an hour at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport or Love Field, visitors can turn delay into delight in Irving, Texas, immediately adjacent to DFW Airport and only a 15-minute cab ride from Love Field. The numerous attractions Irving offers require no reservations, very little cost and are quick and familiar locations for cabs. These sights include a recreational greenbelt; Gondola excursions along European waterway; and the largest equestrian sculpture in the world.

Campión Trails
Along the shores of the Trinity River's Elm Forks lies a natural preserve, a previously undiscovered greenway, ideal for jogging, hiking and equestrian trails. Campión Trails encompasses more than five miles of surfaced walkway stretching from the Las Colinas Urban Center near the intersection of Riverside Drive and Spur 348 (Northwest Highway/Highway 114) north past the Las Colinas Equestrian Center and Polo Club. The trails wind through mature, riverside forests past crossings once used by wagon trains heading West. Nature lovers will enjoy signs identifying native trees and plants. Stop at any of the three parking areas along the route and enjoy scenes of natural beauty just 20 minutes from a departure gate.  For more information, call (972) 721-250 or visit cityofirving.org.

Drive Time - Campión Trails

  • From Love Field: 4 miles, 10 minutes
  • From D/FW International: 12 miles, 20 minutes

Mandalay Canal and Gondola Cruises
In the heart of Irving's Las Colinas Urban Center, one level below the city's streets, sits the Mandalay Canal. Consider a one- to two-hour cruise on a Venetian-style gondola through one of the area's most exclusive and beautiful urban areas and float through the canal canyons between high-rise office buildings. Much better than riding an airport tram. For more information about the Mandalay Canal, call 972-556-0625 or visit gondola.com.  For cruise packages and prices, call 1 (866) 646-2064.

Drive Time - Mandalay Canal

  • From Love Field: 5 miles, 10 minutes.
  • From D/FW International: 12 miles, 20 minutes

The Mustangs at Las Colinas
Galloping horses are a far cry from stampeding travelers, but not a far drive. Just across the street from the canal, nine larger-than-life mustangs have made their mark in their stampede across Williams Square Plaza. Seven years in the making, the bronze Mustangs of Williams Square, galloping across a granite stream, are breathtakingly realistic and a photographer's dream. Created by African wildlife artist Robert Glen, the Mustangs are the largest equestrian sculpture in the world. Across the plaza in the Williams Square West Tower is the Mustang Sculpture Exhibit, which features a short film detailing the seven years it took to create this magnificent sculpture. The film runs 20 minutes, and visitors should allocate enough time to fully enjoy the beauty and craftsmanship of the sculpture. The Mustang Sculpture and Exhibit are located on O'Connor Rd. north of Highway 114. Hours for the exhibit are Wed.-Sat., 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call (972) 869-9047 or visit mustangsoflascolinas.com

Drive Time - The Mustangs at Las Colinas

  • From Love Field: 5 miles, 10 minutes
  • From D/FW International: 12 miles, 20 minutes

For more information about Irving, contact the Irving Convention and Visitors Bureau at (972) 252-7476 or (800) 247-8464, or visit irvingtexas.com.

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